Vacation Rental Management: 3 Easy Ways to Keep Your Beach Rental Booked During the Winter

No matter where your vacation rental is located, every popular destination has its peak season. For Pensacola Beach, we see the most activity from mid-March to early September. The winter months can be slower for bookings as the weather cools off, kids go back to school, and work and other obligations take over. Winters don’t have to mean doomsday for beach vacation rentals. You can implement a few changes to keep your beach rental booked during winter. Here are a few simple ways to increase bookings for your beach vacation rental during the winter months:   

1. Highlight Cold Weather Amenities  

While summertime guests love beach gear, this won't be helpful for those who book stays during the cooler season. From December- mid March, it can be a bit cold for getting in the water or even laying out on the beach. Providing cool weather amenities for guests is a great way to make them book your unit. These amenities will keep them entertained during the cooler season and may help secure them as repeat guests in the future.   

Consider investing in amenities for the patio, like additional furniture, outdoor grills, fire pits, and hammocks. These upgrades will make for cozy winter evenings outdoors. For the indoors, you can always provide fun games for the guests or create a mini-game room. Great additions are a pool table, foosball or air hockey, and even a gaming console. These are simple, inexpensive ways to entice winter travelers.   

2. Don’t Forget to Target Winter Visitors  

Pensacola Beach does not sleep during the winter months. While we experience a peak summer season, snowbirds, remote workers, and other winter travelers come from around the world to visit our beaches.   

If your goal is to attract snowbirds, offering monthly availability will help draw this crowd. Fully-stocked kitchens are essential for guests who will be staying long term, so consider upgrading or adding additional kitchen appliances. Also, be sure that beds and furniture are suitable for comfortable, long-term stays.  

If you want to target remote workers or business travelers, invest in fast, efficient WIFI and a comfortable workstation. Remote workers will need to take video calls in a quiet space with good lighting, and they are likely to book your rental longer if this space is provided. 

3. Take Advantage of the Holidays   

We have seen an influx of fall/winter bookings during the weeks of the holidays. These bookings are essential as holiday travelers seek family experiences and happy memories. The living spaces and kitchens are critical factors in choosing a rental for the holiday season, so be sure that yours stand out.   

Kitchens can benefit from the following amenities:  

• Nice, matching cookware and storage containers.  

• Small touches of decor, such as hand towels, oven mitts, and centerpieces.   

• Small, convenient appliances like rice cookers, air fryers, and toaster ovens.  

These features can make your living room stand out:  

• Small, subtle decorations for the holidays. 

• Comfortable couches, chairs, and enough seating for groups.  

• Additional soft and cozy blankets for comfort.   

Be mindful not to go overboard with holiday decorations. This can deter guests who are not staying for the holidays. Prioritizing comfort and convenience is always the best route when choosing seasonal amenities to provide for your guests!